Civility surrounding the 2020 election is proving to be elusive in Door County. The Sturgeon Bay Police Department is finishing up its investigation into an incident between city alderperson and Democratic delegate David Hayes and Amanda DuQuaine, who helped organize a petition drive to recall Governor Tony Evers at Martin Park Sunday. On Tuesday, the Sturgeon Bay Police Department announced it was charging 19-year-old Quincy Gibson with a misdemeanor for graffiti on the Door County Republican Party headquarters in August. Local party officials have accused supporters on both sides of vandalizing or stealing political signs in recent weeks. Shirley Senarighi from the Door County Civility Project believes emotions are running especially high this election season due to racial tensions and
Recent Pew Research Center polling shows people with opposing political viewpoints to be among other things untrustworthy and close-minded. Senarighi hopes that keeping an open mind, more people will realize that civility is a two-way street. You can read more of Senarighi’s thoughts on civility during the election season below.
Picture courtesy of Door County Civility Project
Letter to the Editor:
Golden Rule 2020: A Call for Dignity and Respect in Politics
The Door County Civility Project Steering Committee Members, holding different political views, have come together to express concern about the polarization and incivility that is tearing our country apart. We are also deeply troubled by the rhetoric being used in the 2020 political campaign season causing further division among the people in our nation.
We join with the National Institute for Civil Discourse in believing that guidance for this national dilemma can be found in the teachings of our faith communities. We believe that that if enough people follow the Golden Rule “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” it will help generate the respect and civility we so desperately need in our country.
We can each play an important role in helping to heal America and bridge the divisions in our country in the remaining weeks prior to and following the November 3rd election. We invite you to:
Pray for the healing of the divisions in our country
Promote the use of the Golden Rule in our personal political discussions and election activities in 2020 by these actions:
• Listen patiently and with an open mind—especially when there is disagreement
• Use language that communicates views without exaggerating; language that is strong,
precise and truthful
• Look for areas of mutual agreement
• Encourage others, including our political leaders, to be civil.
We can also do our best not to:
• Use inflammatory words or derogatory names
• Make broad generalizations about individuals or groups
• Assault the character of others
• Question another person’s beliefs, values or patriotism
• Describe those who hold political beliefs different from my own as enemies.
No matter how objectionable you may find one another’s views, the virtue of civility demands our steadfast pledge to ensure the public expression of ideas so long as those expressions in no way cause physical harm to other people. Make your commitment now to protect the freedom of the conscience and the free expression of ideas. Join others NOW in promoting civility in our political discourse.
Shirley Senarighi
Door County Civility Project
